[readingdestiel]

Hey guys, just to let yous know that I haven’t abandoned this blog. I know it’s been a week since I’ve updated but I’ve moved apartments and town again a couple of days ago and had a lot to do! But I should be able to rec’ more this week, I have a load I want to rec’ you guys. 

Okies, happy reading my wee dears!

[readingdestiel]

Love in an Elevator by bellacatbe

Rating: Explicit Word count: 14,115 Summary: Dean Smith is working late when the elevator breaks down, trapping him and an Omega from accounting between floors. The Omega, Castiel, is in heat and although Dean tries to resist him and the sweetness of his scent, they end up mating. Dean doesn't expect to ever see the Omega again but then he hears that Castiel is being fired and that he's pregnant. Comments: Ah I love this one, I’ve read it countless times. Though I might be biased as, if you know me already, ABO is my first love. It’s really short and sweet but manages to cover a lot of ground, making the angst and misunderstandings delicious and too good to resist. Love how protective Meg is, although I’m also kind of really in love with Meg, too. I’m not making a great argument for you to read it here, but please indulge!

[readingdestiel]

Soooo good in getting caught up with my recs! I have tons more! I mean, like over a hundred or so. I’m not even exaggerating. I wish I could say I was and that I do other things with my time than read destiel. Pffttt no I don’t, I choose this trash life! Yay look at me being good and getting my recs and tags in order

[readingdestiel]

What Once Was Sacred by SaltandByrne 

Rating: Explicit Word count: 55775 Summary: Los Angeles detective Dean Winchester works tirelessly to atone for the sins of his father one case at a time. When his best friend Charlie drags him to visit Sam at his new job, Dean stumbles onto a bizarre string of deaths that brings him uncomfortably close to his past.

Dean can't stop thinking about Castiel, an enigmatic DJ who plays the sexiest music Dean's ever heard. A chance encounter at Castiel's house reveals that Castiel is an incubus, and Dean must face the lies and the reality of his childhood as a hunter. Dean comes to see that he and Castiel have more in common than he thought, and that guilt can be the hardest thing to cast aside.

Comments: The tension in this fic could literally be cut with a knife. Seriously yo. You’ll love this. The misunderstanding in this fic is too real, and you’ll laugh your head off when it comes to the point in which strange requests are given. It’s to do with a chicken. I won’t give it away but I’m still crying. It’s been nearly a year and I’m still crying. Cas is mysterious, entrancing, beautiful...his music hypnotic, sensual and Dean is powerless to resist. He keeps coming back for more and running out of excuses each time.  I beg you to read!!

[readingdestiel]

Smoke in the Mirror by letter_of_stars

Rating: Mature Word count: 52371 Summary: It begins with the flier hung in the library: art model needed for thesis project, will pay. Castiel figures it's an easy way to make some extra money, but modeling for Dean Winchester ends up complicating his life far beyond anything he could have imagined. Comments: This fic was better than all my imaginings. I was struck dumb, utterly entranced reading this and I couldn’t look away for a moment. Their relationship progresses beautifully, with such natural flow and characterisation that slowly builds as we learn about them. You cannot help but feel somewhat exposed reading this, maybe as truly naked as Cas feels modelling- like every insecurity is on show, every flaw. However, instead of shying away, a sense of acceptance is achieved. Like this is where they’re meant to be. They have such an ease being together as artist and model, that sometimes it’s easier than words. Just take the time to read this, I can’t seem to do this justice! 

[readingdestiel]

Oh What A Beautiful City by MooseFeels

Rating: Mature Word count: 27,160  Summary: Castiel is an omega prince, who will let himself starve to death before he can be fetched by his betrothed. Things change a little when his betrothed comes for him a bit earlier than he expected. Comments: This really kinda broke my heart. I had every emotion under the sun reading this.

Castiel is to be wed off to a stranger, against his wishes and consent to do so. In order to feel some semblance of control over the situation he resorts to drastic measures. He begins to starve himself to death. Let me just tell you, your heart will break reading how fragile Cas has gotten, how he’s merely skin and bones. Just be warned for severe weight loss, my dears. 

Dean finds him like this, and comes to learn that Cas isn’t as enthusiastic as he first understood him to be. In fact, shocked that his consent was never given in the first place. 

This is a slow building romance, where trust is slowly built and affection is formed gradually through mutual respect. Dean is so understanding, he’s all motherhen and protective, gives Cas his space and privacy and asks nothing in return. Despite his definite growing love for him. That’s where the misunderstandings come into play and it’s so damn good to look away. Who doesn’t like a little bit of angst? 

Indulge, dear readers. 

[readingdestiel]

What I Need by Jacqueline Albright-Beckett

Rating: Explicit Word count: 46,998 Summary: A joking phrase commonly heard between a surgeon and his tech is "Give me what I need, not what I ask for." Dr. Novak and his tech Dean will soon learn the impact this phrase has on life outside the operating room. Comments: The first I read this was riding shotgun on my way to a hospital, which isn't an interesting fact at all...Anyway. Where to begin with this one! I was absolutely blown away by how technical and precise the medical information was in this fic, and how it weaved perfectly into the story and didn’t feel out of place or unnecessary; it was really interesting and I remember looking things up online because I was intrigued! I’m a massive nerd so it’s no wonder. My medical knowledge is fairly limited but I still enjoyed this fic. Adored it even, so don’t be put off if you think it’ll be overbearing. The author doesn’t make you work hard to understand what’s going on, trust me. The medical background makes this story fleshier, like the universe actually exists instead of just placed together for a generic medical au. It’s so satisfying to read. 

I loved the tension, Dean and Castiel’s growing friendship and their scrappy beginnings. Snarky!cas is literally my favourite thing in the world, but also in the knowledge that he’s made of mush on the inside. We learn about their pasts, how they came to be the people that they are and this unites them. For one of the shorter fics I’ve read, this one has always stayed with me. Do yourselves a favour, wee dears, and take a peek at this. 

[readingdestiel]

Past Present by lastknownwriter

Rating: Explicit Word Count: 83k Summary: When a handsome stranger wanders into his bar one warm fall night, Dean Winchester is charmed by the archaeology professor. As their friendship deepens, Dean will discover that there are a few simple truths about love: it can sneak up on you when you least expect it, and it will level you without warning. But it can also save you, when you’re lost. Comments: Oh my God, this fic. After you read this you will remember the name. It’s such an innocent title until you acknowledge the weight of the words. Allow me to praise the author for their written style and voice, it’s so relaxing to read. My interest never wavered, I lapped this right up. Such a delicious slow burn. The attraction is all there, the ever-growing affection, the small smiles and would-be-kisses. They slowly fall in love and it’s the sweetest thing. 

This fic is about finding love but also letting the person you love the most, go. Because you think that that will make them happy. Trust me, you will think everything is all rainbows until this story hits its climax. It will crush you, I’m not going to lie. But rest assured, it gets better. The author does a good job at building things back up again, healing wounds and strengthening hearts. It won’t leave you cold. When the angst comes, I don’t wish to give it away, hold on. Just trust me, and the author on this, it is so worth getting into this, dear readers. 

(Also, Cas’ journal will break your heart. There is one particular line in my head when I think of it. I’d hate to spoil you though! I still remember even after a year of reading it, that’s how powerful the line is. So beautiful.)

[readingdestiel]

Real Slick Dean by trilliath

Rating: Explicit Word count: 28,437 Summary: There's a new alpha enhancer drug "Rutter" on the streets that gets used at "exclusive parties" for the worst purposes. Detective Castiel Novak and his partner Balthazar work hard to put a stop to it and other sex crimes in their work as Special Victim's top detectives. Ellen Harvelle's Roadhouse is both a bar and a refuge for unmated Omegas. The Roadhouse gives Omegas the opportunity have their heats in peace and, if they so desire, even sell an 'exclusive supply of high-grade slick for the unmated Alpha on the go!'. Castiel is just such an Alpha, career oriented and having no time for casual sex or potential mates. He's a regular customer who only buys donor D347's slick. He's also a family friend and advocate who helps Omegas in need get connected with Ellen. It's all fine until one night after a difficult bust he brings Ellen a new Omega about to have her first heat. What Alpha Castiel doesn't realize is that he's been over-dosed with Rutter during the fight and is about to go into a rut so bad he may die. And if that weren't enough to kill him, the embarrassment he's about to feel will, because he's about to meet donor D347 face to face and neither of them are prepared for what's going to happen. Comments: 

Normally I don’t really read ‘fuck or die’ but I’m so glad I had a nosey at this. Let me tell you this was crazy hot from start to finish. It’s such an unconventional bonding story that there is. Understatement much? Basically, Dean helps Cas out with his ‘problem’, and by that I mean they have to continuously fuck or else Cas dies, and through that time a sort of affection blooms between them. Maybe it’s the romantic in me or the fact that you can’t go through that much crazy emotion together not to eventually form a connection, but it exists. This fic is basically smut, smutty, smut. But glorious. I am such a sucker for ABO dear lord. 

Indulge my dears!!

[readingdestiel]

The Best Years of Our Lives, My Ass by ireallyhatecornnuts

Rating: Explicit Word count: 110,801 Summary: AU after Season 8, episode 6, "Southern Comfort." Dean goes to sleep in a motel room in Texarkana, and he wakes up 17 years old, in his childhood bedroom in Lawrence, Kansas, 1996. He has no idea how he got there, why his parents are still alive, why his brother is an adorable freshman with no memory of his adult life, and why the only ally he has in this place is the angel he left behind in Purgatory – somehow also 17 years old. They have to get out, that's the important thing. Only, falling in love with his angel wasn't a part of the plan.... Comments: This is seriously such an engaging piece of fiction! Right away I was addicted, for the life of me I couldn’t stop reading! There is something so utterly bitter sweet about the fact that Dean gets to live his life the way he should have been able to if he weren’t mixed up with demons and the like. I love high school AUs (there is not many I don’t like in fairness) but this one has an interesting twist because technically Dean and Castiel are far older than their 17 year old bodies which makes for some interesting scenarios. Everything about this fic will have you hooked. From Dean and Castiel’s friendship and growing romance, to the battles of homophobia and sexual identity. I 100% recommend this! It’s been awhile since I’ve read this and wish I could go on forever but I’m afraid of my own probable inaccuracies? There is fluff and cute friend bed sharing and gahhh. This fic has stayed with me. Just indulge, dear readers!

[readingdestiel]

Mulder and Scully by teller_of_tales_and_hero_of_songs

Rating: Explicit Word Count: 79k Summary: Castiel Novak is an undercover FBI agent working to take down a white collar criminal named Azazel, but Castiel finds himself way out of his depths when the case takes a dangerous turn and Azazel gets involved in an omega trafficking deal. With the help of an OPA agent named Dean, the Bureau and the Omega Protection Agency take down Azazel and his seller, Dick Roman.As it turns out, that case wasn't the last Castiel would see of Dean Winchester, and it isn't long at all before Castiel finds himself falling in love with the fiery, strong-willed omega. Comments: This has fast become one of my favourite Alpha/Beta/Omega fan fics. The summary doesn’t do it the justice it deserves, though I doubt that words can be formed to sum up just how awesome this is. 

Castiel leaves the FBI to become an OPA after Dean’s advice to take a chance at a job opening with the agency. Castiel tries to tell himself that he takes him up on his offer and applies because he doesn’t like his current job and feels under appreciated by the people he works with. This is true of course but what he tries to ignore is that there’s something about Dean that he can’t shake. 

The friendship that Castiel and Dean create is trusting and supportive, they compliment each other in the most intricate of ways. Dean confides in Cas about his past, where his distrust for Alphas began, John’s stubborn attitude towards Omegas and what he feels is “best for them”. Your heart will break at Castiel’s pining, at Dean’s confusion with the Alpha and how he finds himself falling for the blue-eyed man despite his gender and Dean’s number one rule to never get close to an Alpha in such a way that leaves him vulnerable. Tough luck though because they are true mates, something that they don’t discover until later because Dean is on pretty strong suppressants, and can’t stop falling. 

To Dean’s surprise, Cas isn’t the typical “knot-head” posturing Alpha that he’s accustomed to. For one thing, Cas treats Dean with respect and praises his abilities as an agent not in spite of his gender. He sees Dean as a strong-willed Omega, not strong for an Omega. You’ll seriously love Cas in this. He’s a gem. 

I don’t want to give too much away because I want you to be as surprised and enthralled as I was reading this. If you’re a fan of ABO I implore you to read this! Even if not the case, read it anyway. The author’s voice and written expression really brings to life the characters. I promise you will love this, dear readers!!

[readingdestiel]

Bird Song by EIDiablito_SF

Rating: Explicit Word Count: 42k Summary: Dean falls through a portal into a strange land ruled over by winged creatures who call themselves Birds and keep humans as pets. As his new Master - Castiel - quickly learns, Dean makes a very difficult pet. Comments: 

I just had to nosey at this after reading a summary like that!

Dean, the idiot, finds himself being pulled into a portal to a unknown territory because it’s Dean Winchester. That’s his life. Upon his arrival, he’s captured and transported by winged creatures to somewhere referred to as the Pound or Kennel where he meets a man, hued man as this universe calls them (which is endlessly awesome), that informs Dean of some awful truths. The first being that the winged creatures, Birds, are their masters and that they are their pets. We later learn that the Birds do this in order to protect them from creatures known as voles who live on the earth below the Bird’s nests. 

This is when we met Castiel. Expecting to see a broken, anxious hued man imprisoned and frightened, he sees Dean. The glowing, strong, feisty man who refuses to submit to his captures. He immediately adopts him and takes him to his nest and, much to Dean’s dismay, collars him. Castiel can speak English, or the Common Tongue, in order to communicate and bond better with his ‘pet’. This is something of an anomaly. Hued men are seen as subordinate and unintelligent, learning their language would be a futile process. But not for Castiel whose described as having a big heart. He’s an odd baby Bird. 

There are a lot of parallels between Bird Song and the canon. The Birds are not so different from the Angels. In fact, they’re likely their descendants. They look upon humans as though they’re pretty much useless and need constant protection. Basically, overgrown pets. Cas slowly changes his mind about this notion, he sees Dean’s intelligence though he unintentionally hurts Dean. 

I really don’t want to give too much away. This fic is fast paced and covers a lot of ground, but I think that it still maintains that delicious slow burn. There is a lot of misunderstanding, slight dub con, hurt feelings, and angst. I would have absolutely loved if this was way longer, just to squeeze out every ounce of this universe. 

Great skies, you will love and devour this fic! 

[readingdestiel]

Painted Angels by WinJennster

Rating: Explicit Word Count: 105k Summary:  Author Castiel Novak has finally hit the big time, with a book based on his failed college relationship with a brilliant painter. He's put all his pain behind him, but at a book signing, he comes face to face with Dean Winchester for the first time in twelve years, and the reunion doesn't go like Cas hoped. Dean's a broken man, with a lot of scars and secrets, shoulders weighed down by his demons and self loathing. Cas sees a second chance with the man he's never stopped loving, but Dean's moved on, and is about to get married. Sam launches a "brilliant" plan to reunite his brother and his best friend, but Cas is worried it will all blow up in their faces, and he'll go through the agony of losing Dean a second time. Comments: Firstly, there is not a cell in my body that is not completely in love with and heart broken by this piece of fiction. It has all the things you’d expect and desire: artistic exploration, love, intimacy, and friendship. 

It starts with Castiel’s return to his home town to do a signing for his new book Painted Angels, of which is greeted with much enthusiasm. He is met with a wave of nostalgia, of all the things that he had left behind 12 years prior to his return, the places and the significance they hold. The happiest time of his life. His first love. 

As you read, you realise within the first couple of lines that you’re utterly screwed. Because 1. you start to crave for things that you’ve never had because you can feel Cas’ longing, 2. you’re not going to be able to stop reading no matter what the cost on your mental and emotional stability. I wish I was being melodramatic. 

There are really two story lines that merge together in this fiction, that enrich the story of Dean and Castiel’s journey in that we get a beautifully crafted present day and back-story to their relationship. We get to see their beginnings, how they met and feel in love, what they went through together and what they then overcome after 12 years absence. The balance between the two alternating timelines is natural and doesn’t feel forced. It compliments the story and makes you appreciate their past, instead of mere flash backs and hints, we readers experience what Dean and Castiel did themselves. The words spoken, their impact, each fleeting moment.  

The most frustrating thing about this fic when reading is the urge to nip Dean in the butt and forcibly gently tell him to be honest with himself and talk to and communicate with Castiel. Though you do forgive him, given his past, his depression and John’s alcoholism. Cas isn’t perfect either. They’re both idiots. 

To summarise: Painted Angels is a story of overcoming the traumas of your past, the injustices of detrimental actions, forgiving yourself and those who you’ve hurt. The most important thing I took from this though, was the ability to find your own sense of self again, loving yourself, and allowing yourself to love and to be loved. 

Check out Linnea’s beautiful artwork here!! Take a look wee dears, you seriously don’t want to miss how gorgeous their pieces are! Gah, so pretty!!

[readingdestiel]

La Vie en Rose by  viviansface

Rating: Explicit Word Count: 35k Summary: Dean works as a photographer for a prestigious NY travel magazine. He's not very excited when he's sent to Paris to work on an article about the world's famous cities -- the trip would probably be unbearable if it weren't for Cas, an American guy working at a café who moved to Paris several years ago. It's Cas who helps Dean with his project, and opens his eyes to love. Comments: The title to this fan fic alone caught my attention. I knew that I had to read and indulge immediately and I must confess that I had the song La Vie en Rose (x x) stuck in my head for the entirety of reading this. 

Dean is on a business trip of sorts, where he finds himself flying out to Paris in order to get into the heart of Paris and attempt to capture another angle, something previously unseen about the famous city. Shortly after he arrives, he visits Cafe des Deux Moulins where he first meets Castiel. Immediately Dean is drawn to him, and when Castiel offers to show him around the area as a means of making him feel more familiar and at home with his surroundings, Dean, of course, accepts. 

Everything about this is super sweet. From Cas speaking French, to their flirting and unwavering attraction towards the other. Dear lord. Although it’s set in Paris, arguably one the most renowned romantic cities there is, the place itself isn't romanticised. We get an insight into the not-so-pretty side, and in this way the fic seems more grounded. Feels more real, if that makes sense. It isn’t just some cliché romance. Such a way to describe it would be an injustice.

You’ll fall in love with the setting, the author’s written expression, the major fluff and adorable-as-hell dialogue. You’ll love Dean’s finished project as well, it’ll have you flailing and sobbing all at once. This fic grasped my heart tight, I feel like I read this far too quickly and simultaneously not fast enough! I implore you to read, dear readers. And fall in love with this masterpiece. 

Also, art by mostly10, go check them out. So beautiful and sweet. Just do your wee eyes a favour

[readingdestiel]

Grey by Valyria

Rating: Explicit Word count: 65,240 Summary: In a world where people don't see in color until they find their true mate, the first thing Dean sees when he pulls himself out of his grave is the blue sky.

When Castiel raised him from the Pit, he inadvertently claimed Dean as his mate. Comments: I’ve recently reread this and literally only getting around to posting this now. Firstly, take heed to the warnings for this fic. Just be aware that they are there. Secondly, may I take a moment to tell you why I love this fic so much? 

It’s closely related to the canon verse but with a Alpha/Beta/Omega twist; starting off briefly from when Dean was a teenager, when he presents as an Omega and the reality that comes with it, and through the seasons up until s9 when Castiel becomes human. This is a retelling of the series from Omega Dean’s perspective, it’s detailed where it asks for it and utterly heartbreaking basically every chapter (we get a happy ending and loads of fluff to make up for it though). 

Castiel accidentally lays a claim on Dean after raising him from perdition, and from their first meeting he is completely oblivious that Dean is his true mate. Whereas Dean knows instantly. He can see colours for the first time, can feel it in his bones that he’s meant for this man and this Angel was meant for him. 

What makes this all so utterly heartbreaking and frustrating is that Castiel has no sense of Dean’s reaction to him; he can’t pick up on his scent, their mating bond, his heat. Unfortunately, he’s an Angel and Angel’s don’t feel that way. Trust me, when you read this you might actually hate Cas a little, I know I did. He hurts Dean, his omega. Abandons him, puts him in harms way, he’s overall just a bad mate. And it’s not his fault because he genuinely doesn’t know that he’s doing this, making his mate feel like a bad Omega. 

But what we do learn is that Castiel really does care for Dean, he really is his favoured one, his most special. It’s not until Castiel falls that he learns of his mistakes, how he didn’t know, he can see colours, his Dean as his mate and Alpha. 

I think the most important thing in this is that you learn to forgive Cas. You will probably dislike him, but remember that he does care for Dean and it’s the fact that he’s an Angel that creates that barrier. There’s a happy ending!! After all that angst I promise you that it’s worth it. It’s slow going, angsty, frustrating, hurtful, and downright depressing but there’s such a satisfaction when Cas becomes human, when Dean confronts him, forgives him. When they are finally Alpha and Omega. 

[readingdestiel]

Appoggiature by ceeainthereforthat

Rating: Explicit Word count: 121,117 Summary: Castiel leaves the religious commune of Heaven Farms to study classical piano after winning a full scholarship paid for by the Deanna Campbell Memorial Foundation, and answers an ad in the campus newspaper: 1 bedroom to let. Meals provided. 50mb wifi, quiet odd music student preferred Comments: I must forewarn you, once you start reading this fic you won’t be able to stop- it’s addicting, mesmerising, divine. Maybe it’s the musician in me, who knows, but there’s something honest and wholesome about this fic. I hope that’s the right word to describe it: wholesome. It’s music that draws them, it’s how they came into contact, it’s their language and their escape. The relationship between Castiel and Dean is one of trust and compassion, it’s healthy, one that is respectful and informative and, although Castiel is naive, he’s self aware and knows what he desires and wants. I’m referring of course to the bondage within the fic. Dean doesn’t take advantage of Cas, not that Castiel would allow it in any instance. Reading this was an experience. The music, the love, the trust. It’s all there. Read my dears. 

[readingdestiel]

Hello wee dears! I'm in the middle of fixing up this blog and intend to add a load of new fics that I've read as well as fixing up the tags page!! So bear with me!! I should have it sorted in a few days :)